Re the treatment of refugees in the UK (Report, 2 May), I work in Germany in a government-run institution for newly arrived asylum seekers. The initial processing involves an interview establishing the person’s name, nationality and languages spoken, and explaining what will happen in the centre (with help from translators).
They also get health checks and vaccinations, and receive necessary clothing and hygiene articles, before being allocated a bed in a shared room (families are housed together; women and men in separate accommodation).
Three meals a day are provided, as well as a ticket for free travel on public transport within the city, access to free German lessons, talks with social workers and activities to make the residents feel more integrated and safe, and the opportunity to work around the centre for pocket money.
They get an interview for their asylum application with the government department for migration and refugees, for which support is provided in advance from social workers.
If people have families already living in Germany, this will be taken into consideration in their application, as it’s a better way to integrate new arrivals, with families providing social networks, material support, psychological support and a readymade source of knowledge of how the system functions.
Refugees, whether asylum seekers or economic migrants, are treated with respect and care. Showing people who have fled oppression, war, discrimination and persecution that they will be safe, listened to, supported and protected will reward the host country when those who want to settle eventually become citizens.
Fiona Schenk
Müllheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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